A Gastronomic Tour of Spain: Summary of La Vuelta a España

This is the very last, and very delayed, installment of La Vuelta a España. We apologize for the rather large gap between the end of the La Vuelta and our final post, but life has taken the upper hand, as it is prone to do.

But before we dive into the exciting details of who won this exciting race, let’s review where they’ve been and what you should have savored along the way. If you want a more detailed explanation of the gastronomy within each stage, feel free to click on the hyperlink provided.

We began the first 4 stages of the race in the south of Spain, where the riders powered through the intense heat and radiating sun to enjoy such delicacies as cool and crisp Fino Sherry, nutty and seductive Oloroso Sherry or sweet and earthy Pedro Ximenez.

Come stages 5 through 9, we moved into the southwest portion of Spain, famous for its expansive orchards, dense vegetable patches and diverse vineyards. This is the land of Garnacha Tintorera, the only grape with a dark, inky purple pulp; Bobal, renowned for its high acidity and intense tannins; as well as Monastrell and Tempranillo.

At stages 10 through 12 our fearless cyclists looped their way north, along the coast, and through the Penedes, Pla de Bages, Costers del Segre and Cava country, where they sipped upon bubbly sparkling wines traditionally made with Xarel.lo, Parallada and Macabeo. They might also grow wild with excitement as they encountered aged whites made with Xarel.lo or Garnacha Blanca, not to mention a girth of vibrant reds including: Garnacha, Carignan, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sumoll and Marselant.

Upon leaving Catalunya, the cyclists sped into Rioja and Txakoli during stages 13-14, two wine regions in the north of Spain that couldn’t be more distinct in their offerings. Where Rioja offers diverse examples of the national grape, Tempranillo, Txakoli provides you with its refreshing, effervescent white wines primarily made with Hondarribi Zuria.

At stages 15 and 16, the cyclists entered a vinous void in Spain, where apple cider, sidra, is the main attraction. Upon a hard day’s ride, we can only hope the cyclists savored Cabrales, a pungent blue cheese, with roast chicken, chorizo and plenty of sidra!

Stages 17 and 18 were hosted by Castilla y Leon, an enormous tract of land that boasts of both phenomenal red and white wines. From the Tinto Fino (Tempranillo) in Ribera del Duero, showing a bit more acidity and mulberry fruit than its Riojan brethren, to bold and expressive white wines made with Verdejo, Malvasia and Godello near Zamora, Castilla y Leon can temper and entice even the most picky palate. We can only hope that the cyclists paired their vinous explorations with the very famous and traditional Cochinillo Asado (baby suckling pig), an incredible dish not to be experienced by the weak hearted.

And finally, we come to stages 19-21 where the cyclists sped through Madrid and Mentrida. D.O. Madrid is home to more than 45 producers and 8,000 hectares of vines. There are approximately 2500 growers in the area which are divided into 3 sub zones. The largest is Arganda, representing 50% of the vines within the D.O. and where Tempranillo and Malvar, a white grape variety, take center stage. Garnacha dominates both the Navalcarnero and San Martin subzones (lucky for us that it’s Garnacha Day), but the latter has the added benefit of Albillo, a lovely white grape that can make really beautiful wines!

We chose not to dive into these regions as the city itself is worthy of exploring any and all wines in Spain. With amazing bars on every corner, and fabulous locations to both buy and learn about Spanish wine, we’d prefer that you check out our Map of Spain to give you a wealth of suggestions for the next time you visit Madrid!

Stages 19, 20 & 21 of the La Vuelta a Espana

Going into the final three days of racing, 38 seconds is all that separates Vincenzo Nibali (Liquigas) and Ezequiel Mosquera (Xacobeo Galicia). Nibali, who finished on the podium in this year’s Giro d’Italia, has been riding very consistently throughout the Vuelta, but lost time on the Cotobello climb of Stage 16. Mosquera is a 34 year old journeyman who has experienced limited success in his career. As a climbing specialist, he has one opportunity on Saturday’s final mountain stage. To say it’s an upset in the making would be an understatement.

One can only wonder how the race would have shaped up if Igor Anton hadn’t crashed out of the race. His misfortune was Nibali’s gain, as he donned Red for the first time as a result of the crash. It should be an exciting finish to a well contested bike race.

Toledo, the stage 19 finish, is another town along this year’s special route which has hosted the Vuelta many times in the past.
After descending the central plateau to the plains, the peloton will continue a lumpy route south, past Madrid to the east and on to Toledo where they’ll do one lap of the city just like 2008. In the final kilometer, there is a 10% hill for 500m before a 500m flat finish.

This stage is well suited to a rider like Philippe Gilbert, the stage 3 winner this year. Gilbert will know this finish well since he placed second behind world champ Paulo Bettini in 2008. Don’t count Mark Cavendish. The guy knows how to win and seems to win stages in bunches. This is the longest stage of this year’s race and it takes place near the end of three weeks of racing. There is a cat 2 climb just 6 km from the start in Piedrahita where a break will get away. So if a sprinter wants to win in Toledo this year, he’ll probably have to get in the main break or his team will need to chase down all of the breaks.

This is the stage that will determine the winner of this year’s Vuelta. It’s going to come down to whether or not Nibali and his Liquigas teammates can deliver him to the top of the summit finish without surrendering the lead to a determined Spaniard, Ezequiel Mosquera (Xacobeo Galicia), who will be riding with the hopes of an entire nation buoying his spirit as he climbs the Bola del Mundo. The final three kilometers up Bola del Mundo are extremely steep, with ramps as steep as 20 percent. Road
conditions are equally horrible, with just a narrow strip of concrete up the side of a mountain ridge. While the players may not be those expected to contend for this year’s Jersey Rojo, there is no lack of excitement going into this stage. It’s a classic example of the underdog vs the established star. It is the beauty of bike racing because the road doesn’t lie. The best man will prevail.

The last stage on Sunday is largely ceremonial for the overall winner, although the sprinters do make a go for it to make up points. Mark Cavendish looks to have the Point Classification wrapped up with a 32 point lead after 18 stages. David Moncoutie leads the King of the Mountain Classification by 10 points over Serafin Martinez and Team Katusha currently sits 20 seconds in front of Caisse d’Eparne. That is a race within the race that could change by Sunday.

As to the winner of the 2010 La Vuelta? Whoop it up for Vincenzo Nibali of Italy!

Cheers,

Gabriella Opaz

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This team is first class, they are knowledgeable of all areas of wine, and the Douro. If you are looking for something to do when in Porto I cant recommend their tours enough - first class.
Many places here say they offer the authentic version of Porto, but rarely do - these tours go into places that others don't, they bust the myths of wine, Port and give you the real insights, show you the faces behind the wine.
The tours offered here give you something that is unique, filled with passion and love for this wonderful city and surrounding areas.

Anita Breland

13:51 19 Sep 17

Looking to enjoy a great excursion through some of the world's most beautiful vineyards? Our group's tour off the beaten path with Catavino was a carefree day of discovery in fine company, and with memorable food and wine. A big plus was an opportunity to spend time with a winemaker happy to share his family story, expertise and excellent wine. I cannot think of a better way to experience the authentic Douro!

Cornell Anderson

11:23 04 Oct 17

We just completed a Fall Harvest tour that was organized and led by Catavino Tours. The entire experience was wonderful and met all of our expectations. The tour included several days in and near Lisbon, and then five days in Porto and the wineries and vineyards along the Douro River. All aspects of the tour were planned to provide an exceptional experience for our group of eleven friends. Our tour guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgeable about the wines, the Quintas, the history of Port and Portuguese table wine and the country of Portugal. Finally, the food was amazing and included several dinners and lunches with wine makers who were personally know by Ryan. The tour and experience could not have been better!

Julie Dawn Fox

14:18 21 Sep 17

Just spent a wonderful day in the Douro wine region with the Catavino team and a local winemaker. We had breathtaking views of a side of the Douro that most visitors don't get to see, knowledgeable explanations of the grapes, wines and processes and of course, delicious table and port wines, some poured straight from the barrel. The highlight of the day was the chance to join the Purple Foot Club by treading grapes in stone tanks.

Flavio Bastos Amiel

09:53 19 Sep 17

Yesterday we had the chance to visit a few places in the Douro with Catavino. We had the chance to meet one very young producer (Oscar Quevedo: thanks!) who did a complete tour through one of his vineyards and educated us on the different types of grapes the Douro has to offer and how the wine in this winery is made. The highlight was a great food experience in the winery while staring at the amazing Douro landscape, while sipping whites, red and port wine from the same house. Thanks!!

Tom Fakler

09:26 15 Nov 17

Outstanding day trip from Porto with Catavino!
We spent a day off the beaten path in the Douro wine region and its spectacular scenery. We visited a winery where the vintner gave us the most authentic and informative tour of the vineyards and wine cellar we have had. We tasted this year’s new wine and port from a 10,000-liter cask. We had a gourmet lunch with wines perfectly paired.
Our tour was in the harvest season and we were able to participate in the traditional stomping of grapes in a granite lagar. It was a fun time for all!
Catavino and team know the area and vintners well, and this made our day truly special.

David Waldschmidt

15:35 15 Oct 17

My wife and I had a first rate experience touring the wine country in Portugal. Catavino Tours organized the trip for us and friends. The tour was organized down to the most specific details permitting us an experience unencumbered with worry or stress. Best of all, Catavino is extremely well versed in the wine business, the wine country and the people behind the wineries. As a result, we were treated to experiences and face to face interactions that we would never have had on our own or with someone less tied into the art of making wine.

Penedes Wine Tour

About Gabriella Opaz

Born and bred in Chicago, Gabriella is the co-founder and Editor-and-Chief of Catavino. As an award-winning speaker and writer, she uses stories to create a human connection between worlds that would otherwise never converge. Her recently published book, "The Undiscovered Food Stories of Northern Portugal" was inspired by the alluring grandmother stories inside Porto's centenarian open-air market, Mercado Bolhão.

Facebook Reviews

Recently back from a Fall Harvest Wine & Food Tour in northern Portugal. Ryan and his team of angels of Catavino created an absolute exceptional itinerary for our group of 10 from Minnesota. From our first winery visit to grape stomping to our splendid view from our hotel in the Douro Valley, the Catavino team left no details behind. We were treated like esteemed guests everywhere we went and even treated like family is more like it! I'm going through withdrawal and plan to go back with the whole family in the near future. One of our guests summed it up like this during one of our lunches, "Patti, I feel like I've died and gone to heaven. Just when I think I had the best day ever, the next day is even better!"
I highly recommend anyone, whether it's the two of you or a group, to look no further than Ryan and Catavino who will customize and personalize an itinerary that will surprise and delight you beyond your wildest dreams. Amen

This was our second trip to Portugal. Catavino tweaked the itinerary to complement what we had done before. We would go back again!
The personal treatment we received from winery owners, restaurant owners, shop keepers was like no other trip we have ever taken.
5 stars- Catavino knows Portugal's wine country like no other!

A week like no other. Catavino designed an amazing tour for our private group. Ryan Opaz's personal relationship with so many in the wine/food industry allows for intimate experiences everywhere we went, unlike anything we have experienced before. Lisbon, the Duoro, Porto...all were fascinating. Catavino can design trips of any length and scope to suit your criteria. Obrigada!

Catavino is Ryan Opaz. But Ryan Opaz is not all of Catavino. There is a team behind the scenes. He is a Renaissance man with a great knowledge of food, wine and culture.
We enjoyed three days with Ryan as he guided us through the Douro Valley and the ancient town of Porto. Although Ryan has a huge database of facts in his brain, he is also a treasure house of stories. You will discover the “real” Douro and Porto, not the tourist version.
Ryan is always greeted like an old friend everywhere you go because he has a vast network of relationships. You will not get a stock tour: you will get an experience tailored to your interests and tastes.
Ryan will take you to places you cannot enter as a tourist on your own. The guides in the Quintas and Port Houses learn from Ryan, not the other way around.
American? Yes. Portuguese? Yes. Ryan lives in both cultures but is completely a “native” son of Portugal.
Recommended for the wine enthusiast and professional, and for small groups. You must get to know Catavino.

What an amazing trip with a fantastic group of people. It was an education about wine we couldn't have experienced anywhere else. Our guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgable and brought great enthusiasm to the experience.

Fantastic tour of the Portugal wine country organized and conducted by the Catavino team. Echoing the comments of the previous reviews below, my wife and I experienced one memorable experience topped each day by the next memorable experience. A week of friendship, learning and interacting all in an environment that was stimulating and stress free. Kudos to Catavino for a wonderful and supremely well organized trip.

Our Fall Harvest trip through the Douro valley led by Ryan Opaz and organized by the talented team at Catavino was truly a once in a lifetime experience (well maybe twice)! This was an ongoing visual and sensory experience from start to finish with several “pinch yourself” moments along the way. Like most learning experiences I feel like I’ve retained a fraction of what I learned about the wines and cuisine or Portugal. I guess that’s a reason to do it again

We just completed a Fall Harvest tour that was organized and led by Catavino Tours. The entire experience was wonderful and met all of our expectations. The tour included several days in and near Lisbon, and then five days in Porto and the wineries and vineyards along the Douro River. All aspects of the tour were planned to provide an exceptional experience for our group of eleven friends. Our tour guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgeable about the wines, the Quintas, the history of Port and Portuguese table wine and the country of Portugal. Finally, the food was amazing and included several dinners and lunches with wine makers who were personally know by Ryan. The tour and experience could not have been better!

The Catavino team is world class. A tour with them is guaranteed to be something that you won't forget.
They show you a true picture of what goes on, busting myths about the wine and port industry to show you the real side of Douro. Their level of knowledge is incredible, and we had access to wine tasting, grape stomping and meet the faces behind the wine industry. I can't even begin to describe the amazing lunch at the farm, overlooking the most spectacular views that only the Douro provides - breath taking!!
It is guaranteed to be filled with passion and love, leaving you with a yearning to come back time and time again.
Can't recommend this enough.

My husband and I had a wonderful day on a private tour with Ryan throughout the Douro Valley. He is extremely knowledgeable and helped us learn to appreciate Port. Beyond the wonderful private tasting sessions, he also brought us to a delicious lunch at a local Portuguese restaurant. Throughout the entire day, he provided us with tips and recommendations for the remainder of our journey throughout Portugal. The whole day was the highlight of our trip! We would HIGHLY recommend it!

Ana arranged a trip for my client through Portugal. My client is a single woman traveling alone and she had the time of her life! I felt very good about having her in Catavino's hands. Thank you for introducing her to Portugal in such a wonderful manner.

I can only second the comments written here. Catavino is highly professional and will stop at nothing to give you an incredible, unforgettable time. All the biggest highlights from my recent trip to Portugal and Spain were made possible by Catavino. I know how much work goes into it- thank you so much Ryan and team. I'd trust you with my holidays any time.

We were part of the 2016 Harvest Tour and had the experience of a lifetime! The Douro Valley is breathtakingly beautiful and our guides were wonderful. Ryan and Gabriella must have called in all of their personal favors because we met and drank wine with many winemakers, a wine shop owner and tasted '72 port which Oscar Quevedo's grandfather had made. Doesn't get any more special than that! Of course, gourmet food at every meal as well. We'll be back!!

When there were hiccups in the itinerary; Catavino was nothing but gracious. They understood what our visit meant to us & offered us fantastic guides & activities. We ooh'ed & aah'ed, ate & drank almost too well (!) & we laughed for days. Deep thanks.

No enough words, even for a wordsmith like me, to say how wonderful it was spending time with Gabriella and Ryan. Our tour with Ryan as our guide to the Douro Valley was spectacular. Excellent wines, wonderful views, terrific people and a delightful lunch topped off with a lovely boat ride. Highly recommended!!

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Google Reviews

This team is first class, they are knowledgeable of all areas of wine, and the Douro. If you are looking for something to do when in Porto I cant recommend their tours enough - first class.
Many places here say they offer the authentic version of Porto, but rarely do - these tours go into places that others don't, they bust the myths of wine, Port and give you the real insights, show you the faces behind the wine.
The tours offered here give you something that is unique, filled with passion and love for this wonderful city and surrounding areas.

Anita Breland

13:51 19 Sep 17

Looking to enjoy a great excursion through some of the world's most beautiful vineyards? Our group's tour off the beaten path with Catavino was a carefree day of discovery in fine company, and with memorable food and wine. A big plus was an opportunity to spend time with a winemaker happy to share his family story, expertise and excellent wine. I cannot think of a better way to experience the authentic Douro!

Cornell Anderson

11:23 04 Oct 17

We just completed a Fall Harvest tour that was organized and led by Catavino Tours. The entire experience was wonderful and met all of our expectations. The tour included several days in and near Lisbon, and then five days in Porto and the wineries and vineyards along the Douro River. All aspects of the tour were planned to provide an exceptional experience for our group of eleven friends. Our tour guide, Ryan Opaz, was extremely knowledgeable about the wines, the Quintas, the history of Port and Portuguese table wine and the country of Portugal. Finally, the food was amazing and included several dinners and lunches with wine makers who were personally know by Ryan. The tour and experience could not have been better!

Julie Dawn Fox

14:18 21 Sep 17

Just spent a wonderful day in the Douro wine region with the Catavino team and a local winemaker. We had breathtaking views of a side of the Douro that most visitors don't get to see, knowledgeable explanations of the grapes, wines and processes and of course, delicious table and port wines, some poured straight from the barrel. The highlight of the day was the chance to join the Purple Foot Club by treading grapes in stone tanks.

Flavio Bastos Amiel

09:53 19 Sep 17

Yesterday we had the chance to visit a few places in the Douro with Catavino. We had the chance to meet one very young producer (Oscar Quevedo: thanks!) who did a complete tour through one of his vineyards and educated us on the different types of grapes the Douro has to offer and how the wine in this winery is made. The highlight was a great food experience in the winery while staring at the amazing Douro landscape, while sipping whites, red and port wine from the same house. Thanks!!

Tom Fakler

09:26 15 Nov 17

Outstanding day trip from Porto with Catavino!
We spent a day off the beaten path in the Douro wine region and its spectacular scenery. We visited a winery where the vintner gave us the most authentic and informative tour of the vineyards and wine cellar we have had. We tasted this year’s new wine and port from a 10,000-liter cask. We had a gourmet lunch with wines perfectly paired.
Our tour was in the harvest season and we were able to participate in the traditional stomping of grapes in a granite lagar. It was a fun time for all!
Catavino and team know the area and vintners well, and this made our day truly special.

David Waldschmidt

15:35 15 Oct 17

My wife and I had a first rate experience touring the wine country in Portugal. Catavino Tours organized the trip for us and friends. The tour was organized down to the most specific details permitting us an experience unencumbered with worry or stress. Best of all, Catavino is extremely well versed in the wine business, the wine country and the people behind the wineries. As a result, we were treated to experiences and face to face interactions that we would never have had on our own or with someone less tied into the art of making wine.